Roadway access hole cutter having a utility avoidance safety device, method of cutting a hole in a roadway, method of cutting a horizontal hole under a roadway

ABSTRACT

A method of cutting a microtrench in which the buried utility is exposed by opening an access hole in a roadway above the buried utility using a roadway access hole drill that is controlled by a computer system connected to an under-roadway detection unit that detects a buried utility and stops movement of the drill to avoid damaging the buried utility. Also provided is a method of drilling a substantially horizontal hole under a roadway using a horizontal drill that is controlled by a computer system connected to an under-roadway detection unit that detects a buried utility and stops movement or changes direction of the drill to avoid damaging the buried utility.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a roadway access hole cutter thatreduces the chance of rupturing a utility buried close to the roadwayand a method of cutting an access hole in a roadway that avoidsrupturing the buried utility. The invention further relates a utilityavoidance device configured to avoid cutting a buried utility. Theinvention further relates a horizontal drill having a utility avoidancesafety device to avoid cutting a buried utility.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During installation of the optical fiber, a microtrench is cut in aroadway, the optical fiber and/or innerduct/microduct is laid in themicrotrench and then a fill and sealant are applied over the opticalfiber and/or innerduct/microduct to protect them from the environment.Methods of microtenching that can be utilized in the present inventioninclude the methods described in my previous U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,641,414;10,571,047; 10,571,045; 10,781,942; 10,808,379; 10,808,377 and U.S.patent publication Nos. 20180292027; 20180156357, and 20180106015, thecomplete disclosures of which are incorporated in their entirety hereinby reference.

Before cutting a microtrench in a roadway, the city must be notified.The city personnel will locate and mark buried utilities on the roadway.When a microtrench must cross a buried utility, the buried utility mustfirst be exposed, which requires cutting an access hole through theroadway and then removing the dirt below the roadway through the roadwayaccess hole. Currently, core saws, concrete saws, core drills and jackhammers are used to break through the roadway.

The city roadways are asphalt and/or concrete. Utilities, such asnatural gas, water, telecommunications, and/or electric, are typicallyburied in the dirt or bedding below the roadway. Natural gas lines areusually required to have 12-36 inches of cover above them. For example,a 2 inch natural gas line would have to be buried 14 inches below theroadway in order to have 12 inches of cover (dirt or bedding) above thenatural gas line.

However, often times codes are not followed by installers and naturalgas lines can be installed just below the roadway. A jackhammer isusually used to form the access hole in the roadway. However, if theburied utility, such a natural gas line is not buried according to codeand is just below the roadway, the jackhammer can cause the natural gasline to rupture causing a fire and serious injury or death. Furthermore,conventional core saws, concrete saws, and core drills can also damagethe shallowly buried utility. There is a great need for a softer way ofcutting an access hole that reduces the chances of rupturing a buriedutility that is not to code, i.e. just below the roadway.

Horizontal drills are often utilized to cut a small hole forinstallation of utilities below a roadway surface. Examples ofhorizontal drills include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No.20030070841 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,746,370.

Even with marking of the buried utilities, crews are still damagingburied utilities at an alarming rate. There is a great need for anautomated safety device to reduce damaging buried utilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions reduces the chances of a road crew damaging aburied utility when installing optical fiber and/or innerduct/microductunder a roadway.

The objectives of the invention can be obtained by a method ofinstalling optical fiber, innerduct or microduct under a roadwaycomprising:

-   -   drilling an access hole in a roadway above a buried utility        using a roadway access drill comprising a drill head driven by a        motor;    -   controlling the movement of the drill head by a computer system;    -   measuring in real time a distance between the drill head and the        buried utility by the computer system and an under-roadway        detection unit connected to the computer system;    -   the computer system automatically at least one of providing a        warning to an operator of the roadway access drill or stopping        movement of the drill head towards the buried utility at a set        distance between the drill head and the buried utility to avoid        damaging the buried utility;    -   removing dirt below the roadway through the access hole to        expose the buried utility;    -   cutting a microtrench in the roadway using a microtrencher so        that the microtrench crosses the buried utility and does not        damage the buried utility;    -   laying the optical fiber, innerduct or microduct in the        microtrench; and    -   filling the microtrench with a fill material to cover and        protect the optical fiber, innerduct or microduct.

The objections of the invention can also be obtained by a method ofinstalling optical fiber, innerduct or microduct under a roadwaycomprising;

-   -   drilling a hole substantially horizontally under a roadway using        a horizontal drill comprising a drill head driven by a motor;    -   controlling the movement of the drill head by a computer system;    -   moving an under-roadway detection unit above the roadway so that        the under-roadway detection unit detects the drill head and a        buried utility under the roadway;    -   the under-roadway detection unit sending detection data to the        computer system;    -   measuring in real time a distance between the drill head and the        buried utility by the computer system based on the detection        data;    -   the computer system at least one of automatically changing a        direction of the drill head or stopping movement of the drill        head towards the buried utility at a set distance between the        drill head and the buried utility to avoid damaging the buried        utility;    -   removing the drill head from a substantially horizontal hole        under the roadway formed by the drilling; and    -   installing the optical fiber, innerduct or microduct into the        substantially horizontal hole.

The objectives of the invention can be further obtained by a roadwayaccess drill configured to reduce damage to a utility buried under aroadway comprising:

-   -   a drill head driven by a motor;    -   a computer system configured to control movement of the drill        head;    -   an under-roadway detection unit connected to the computer system        and configured to measure in real time a distance between the        drill head and a buried utility under the roadway; and    -   the computer system being configured to automatically at least        one of providing warning to an operator of the roadway access        drill or stopping movement of the drill head towards a buried        utility at a set distance between the drill head and the buried        utility to avoid damaging the buried utility.

The objectives of the invention can be further obtained by a horizontaldrill configured to reduce damage to a utility buried under a roadwaycomprising;

-   -   a drill head driven by a motor;    -   a computer system for controlling the movement of the drill        head;    -   an under-roadway detection unit connected to the computer system        and configured to move above the roadway so that the        under-roadway detection unit detects the drill head and a buried        utility under the roadway;    -   the computer system and under-roadway detection unit are        configured to measure in real time a distance between the drill        head and the buried utility by the computer system; and    -   the computer system is configured to a at least one of        automatically changing a direction of the drill head or stopping        movement of the drill head towards the buried utility at a set        distance between the drill head and the buried utility to avoid        damaging the buried utility.

The objectives of the invention can be obtained by a method ofinstalling a new utility under a roadway comprising:

-   -   drilling an access hole in a roadway above a buried utility        using a roadway access drill comprising a drill head driven by a        motor;    -   controlling the movement of the drill head by a computer system;    -   measuring in real time a distance between the drill head and the        buried utility by the computer system and an under-roadway        detection unit connected to the computer system;    -   the computer system automatically at least one of providing a        warning to an operator of the roadway access drill or stopping        movement of the drill head towards the buried utility at a set        distance between the drill head and the buried utility to avoid        damaging the buried utility;    -   removing dirt below the roadway through the access hole to        expose the buried utility;    -   cutting a microtrench in the roadway using a microtrencher so        that the microtrench crosses the buried utility and does not        damage the buried utility;    -   laying the new utility in the microtrench; and    -   filling the microtrench with a fill material to cover and        protect the new utility.

The objections of the invention can also be obtained by a method ofinstalling a new utility under a roadway comprising;

-   -   drilling a hole substantially horizontally under a roadway using        a horizontal drill comprising a drill head driven by a motor;    -   controlling the movement of the drill head by a computer system;    -   moving an under-roadway detection unit above the roadway so that        the under-roadway detection unit detects the drill head and a        buried utility under the roadway;    -   the under-roadway detection unit sending detection data to the        computer system;    -   measuring in real time a distance between the drill head and the        buried utility by the computer system based on the detection        data;    -   the computer system at least one of automatically changing a        direction of the drill head or stopping movement of the drill        head towards the buried utility at a set distance between the        drill head and the buried utility to avoid damaging the buried        utility;    -   removing the drill head from a substantially horizontal hole        under the roadway formed by the drilling; and    -   installing the new utility into the substantially horizontal        hole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a roadway access hole drill located over the roadwayabove a buried utility.

FIG. 1B illustrates a roadway access hole drill located over the roadwayabove a buried utility.

FIG. 1C illustrates a roadway access hole saw located over the roadwayabove a buried utility.

FIG. 2 illustrates hole in the roadway cut by the roadway access holedrill to expose the buried utility.

FIG. 3 illustrates a microtrencher cutting a microtrench in the roadwaythat crosses the exposed previously buried utility.

FIG. 4A illustrates an optical fiber sealed in the microtrench by afill.

FIG. 4B illustrates a buried utility sealed in the microtrench by afill.

FIG. 5A illustrates a horizontal access hole drill.

FIG. 5B illustrates a horizontal hole containing an optical fiber orinnerduct/microduct.

FIG. 5C illustrates a horizontal hole containing a new utility.

FIG. 6A illustrates a flow chart of a first method of cutting a verticalroadway access hole.

FIG. 6B illustrates a flow chart of a second method of cutting ahorizontal access hole.

FIG. 6C illustrates a flow chart of a first method of cutting a verticalroadway access hole.

FIG. 6D illustrates a flow chart of a second method of cutting ahorizontal access hole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be explained by reference to the attachednon-limiting Figs. In the description, for purposes of explanation andnot limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particularnetworks, communication systems, computers, terminals, devices,components, techniques, storage devices, data and network protocols,software products and systems, operating systems, developmentinterfaces, hardware, etc. in order to provide a thorough understandingof the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled inthe art that the present invention can be practiced in other embodimentsthat depart from these specific details. Detailed descriptions ofwell-known networks, computers, digital devices, storage devices,components, techniques, data and network protocols, software productsand systems, development interfaces, operating systems, and hardware areomitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention.All use of the word “example” are intended to describe non-limitingexamples of the invention.

The operations described in the figures and herein can be implemented asexecutable code stored on a computer or machine readable non-transitorytangible storage medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, ROM, EEPROM,nonvolatile RAM, CD-ROM, etc.) that are completed based on execution ofthe code by a processor circuit implemented using one or more integratedcircuits; the operations described herein also can be implemented asexecutable logic that is encoded in one or more non-transitory tangiblemedia for execution (e.g., programmable logic arrays or devices, fieldprogrammable gate arrays, programmable array logic, application specificintegrated circuits, etc.).

To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of thevarious embodiments of the present invention, various illustrativeembodiments are explained below. Although example embodiments of thepresent invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood thatother embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended thatthe present invention is limited in its scope to the details ofconstruction and arrangement of components set forth in the followingdescription or examples. The present invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. For example, reference to a component is intendedalso to include composition of a plurality of components. References toa composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include otherconstituents in addition to the one named.

Also, in describing the example embodiments, terminology will beresorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each termcontemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in theart and includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similarmanner to accomplish a similar purpose.

It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method stepsdoes not preclude the presence of additional method steps or interveningmethod steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, it isalso to be understood that the mention of one or more components in acomposition does not preclude the presence of additional components thanthose expressly identified. Such other components or steps not describedherein can include, but are not limited to, for example, similarcomponents or steps that are developed after development of thedisclosed technology.

As illustrated, lines or arrows between elements can denotecommunications between the different elements. These communications cantake any form known by those of skill in the art, including digital,telephonic, or paper. The communications can be through a WAN, LAN,analog phone line, etc. The information communicated can be in anyformat appropriate for the transmission medium.

“Data storage” can be non-transitory tangible memory, such as any one ora combination of a hard drive, random access memory, flash memory,read-only memory and a memory cache, among other possibilities. The datastorage can include a database, implemented as relational databasetables or structured XML documents or any other format. Such a databasecan be used to store the information gathered from transaction recordsand Thing Records. Non-volatile memory is preferred.

“Processor” can refer to a single data processor on a single computingdevice or a collection of data processors. The collection of dataprocessors can reside on a single computing device or be spread acrossmultiple computing devices. The processor can execute computer programcode stored in the data storage or a memory. In one example, theprocessor can execute computer program code representative offunctionalities of various components of the system.

While certain implementations of the disclosed technology have beendescribed in connection with what is presently considered to be the mostpractical and various implementations, it is to be understood that thedisclosed technology is not to be limited to the disclosedimplementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope ofthe appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, theyare used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

Certain implementations of the disclosed technology are described abovewith reference to block and flow diagrams of systems and methods and/orcomputer program products according to example implementations of thedisclosed technology. It will be understood that one or more blocks ofthe block diagrams and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theblock diagrams and flow diagrams, respectively, can be implemented bycomputer-executable program instructions. Likewise, some blocks of theblock diagrams and flow diagrams do not have to be performed in theorder presented or if at all, according to some implementations of thedisclosed technology.

Computer program instructions can also be stored in a non-transientcomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including instruction meansthat implement one or more functions specified in the flow diagram blockor blocks.

FIGS. 1A and 1B describe an example of a system for cutting a roadwayaccess hole. The system comprises user interface devices 120, a server150, and computer system 702, all interconnected via a communicationnetwork 140. All interconnections can be direct, indirect, wirelessand/or wired as desired.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example of a system for cutting a horizontalaccess hole. The system comprises user interface devices 120, a server150, and computer system 702, all interconnected via a communicationnetwork 140. All interconnections can be direct, indirect, wirelessand/or wired as desired.

The network 140 can be any desired network including the internet ortelephone network. Various networks 800 can be implemented in accordancewith embodiments of the invention, including a wired or wireless localarea network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN), wireless personal areanetwork (PAN) and other types of networks that comprise or are connectedto the Internet. When used in a LAN networking environment, computerscan be connected to the LAN through a network interface or adapter. Whenused in a WAN networking environment, computers typically include amodem, router, switch, or other communication mechanism. Modems can beinternal or external, and can be connected to the system bus via theuser-input interface, or other appropriate mechanism. Computers can beconnected over the Internet, an Intranet, Extranet, Ethernet, or anyother system that provides communications, such as by the network. Somesuitable communications protocols can include TCP/IP, UDP, OSI,Ethernet, WAP, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, Zigbee, IrDa, WebRTC, or anyother desired protocol. Furthermore, components of the system cancommunicate through a combination of wired or wireless paths, includingthe telephone networks.

The systems can be accessed via any user interface device 120 that iscapable of connecting to the server 150 via the network 140. A pluralityof user interface devices 120 can be connected to the server 150. Anexample user interface device 120 contains a web browser and display.This includes user interface devices 120 such as internet connectedtelevisions and projectors, tablets, iPads, Mac OS computers, Windowscomputers, e-readers, and mobile user devices such as the smartphones,iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone, and other communication devices. Theuser interface device 120 preferably is a smartphone. The smartphone 120can be in any form, such as a hand held device, wristband, or part ofanother device, such as vehicle.

The computer processing unit (CPU) of the user interface device 120 canbe implemented as a conventional microprocessor, application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), programmablegate array (PGA), or the like. The CPU executes the instructions thatare stored in order to process data. The set of instructions can includevarious instructions that perform a particular task or tasks, such asthose shown in the appended flowchart. Such a set of instructions forperforming a particular task can be characterized as a program, softwareprogram, software, engine, module, component, mechanism, or tool. Thenon-transitory memory can include random access memory (RAM), ready-onlymemory (ROM), programmable memory, flash memory, and the like. Thememory, include application programs, OS, application data etc.

The server 150 and/or computer system 702 described herein can includeone or more computer systems directly connected to one another and/orconnected over the network 140. Each computer system can include aprocessor, non-transitory memory, user input and user output mechanisms,a network interface, and executable program code (software) comprisingcomputer executable instructions stored in non-transitory tangiblememory that executes to control the operation of the server 150 and/orcomputer system 702. Similarly, the processors functional componentsformed of one or more modules of program code executing on one or morecomputers. Various commercially available computer systems and operatingsystem software can be used to implement the hardware and software. Thecomponents of each server can be co-located or distributed. In addition,all or portions of the same software and/or hardware can be used toimplement two or more of the functional servers (or processors) shown.The server 150 and/or computer system 702 can run any desired operatingsystem, such as Windows, Mac OS X, Solaris or any other server basedoperating systems. Other embodiments can include different functionalcomponents. In addition, the present invention is not limited to aparticular environment or server 150 and/or computer system 702configuration. Preferably, the server 150 is a cloud based computersystem. If desired for the particular application, the server 150 orportions of the server 150 can be incorporated within one or more of theother devices of the system, including but not limited to a userinterface device 120.

The server 150 includes at least one web server and the query processingunit. The web server receives the user query and sends the user query tothe query processing unit. The query processing unit processes the userquery and responds back to the user interface device 150 and/or computersystem 702 via the web server. The query processing unit fetches datafrom the database server if additional information is needed forprocessing the user query. The database is stored in a non-transitorytangible memory, and preferably a non-volatile memory. The term“database” includes a single database and a plurality of separatedatabases. The server 150 can comprise the non-volatile memory or theserver 150 can be in communication with the non-volatile memory storingthe database. The database can be stored at different locations.

Software program modules and data stored in the non-transitory memorythe server 150 and/or non-volatile memory of the user interface device150 and/or computer system 702 can be arranged in logical collections ofrelated information on a plurality of computer systems having associatednon-volatile memories. The software and data can be stored using anydata structures known in the art including files, arrays, linked lists,relational database tables and the like. The server 150, computer system702 and mobile user device 150 can be programmed to perform theprocesses described herein.

Drill head utility avoidance safety device.

Modern cities require an extensive range of utilities to function. Theburied utilities include at least water, electricity, gas, telephone,and fiber optics. These utilities are typically provided throughunderground conduits. In theory, the location of the utilities iscarefully recorded and held centrally by city authorities. In practicethis does not universally occur and the location of many utilities canbe unrecorded or recorded incorrectly. The determined location of theutility may be acquired by underground imaging, which is commonlyaccomplished by the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR). Typically,the location of buried utilities are separately determined by GPR andthe location marked for later cutting or digging.

The present drill systems for installing optical fiber and/or innerductmicroduct, or for installing a new utility, having a drill head utilityavoidance safety device greatly reduces the chances of damaging a buriedutility caused by operator error, errors in drill head location, errorsin the buried utility location, and other errors. The utility avoidancesafety device includes an under-roadway detection unit 700, which can bea GPR, connected to the computer system 702 that controls forwardmovement of the drill head 20 during drilling. The computer system 702can further comprise a drill control system 716.

A conventional GPR system comprises an electromagnetic detection unit, acomputer system that receives detection data from the detection unit; auser interface device coupled to the computer system; and a displaycoupled to the computer system. The computer system interprets thedetection data to provide a visual representation of the underground onthe display. Computer systems are now well known and any suitablecomputer system comprising a processor in communication withnon-volatile, non-transitory memory can be utilized.

U.S. patent publication No. 2003/0012411 (Sjostrom), discloses a systemand method for displaying and collecting GPR data. U.S. Pat. No.6,617,996 (Johansson), discloses a GPR system to provide an audiblesignal regarding size and how deep. My previous U.S. Pat. No. 10,571,047discloses a GPR system for use in microtrenching. The completedisclosures of these patents and publications are incorporated herein byreference. Ditch Witch 2450R GPR is commercial example of a GPR machinethat can detect at suitable speeds of 5.6 mph. Geophysical SurveySystems, Inc. also commercially sells suitable GPRs that can be utilizedin the present invention.

In place of the usual GPR used to locate buried utilities, the inventioncan utilize other means of revealing buried utilizes or any tomography,including but not limited to, radio frequency identification, soundwaves, electrons, hydraulic, vibration, magnetic, sonar, ultrasound,microwaves, xrays, gamma rays, neutrons, electrical resistivitytomography, Multi-channels Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), and/orFrequency-domain Electra Magnetics (FDEM) induction. Any of thesealternatives and later developed alternatives can be utilized. Thus, theunder-roadway detection unit 700 can comprise GPR and/or any otheralternative for detecting objects buried under the roadway. Preferably,the under-roadway detection unit 700 comprises a GPR.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-4A, the claimed invention utilizes an under-roadwaydetection unit 700 in a novel utility avoidance device for use on aroadway access hole vertical drilling device 22 to create an access hole3 in a city street (also referred to as a roadway 2) or on a horizontaldrilling device 24 to create a horizontal hole 26 in the dirt 6 underthe roadway 2 to install an optical fiber or innerduct/microduct 5 underthe roadway 2. FIG. 4B shows a buried new utility 9 in place of theburied optical fiber or innerduct/microduct 5. Examples of the newutility 9 include electrical devices, including but not limited to coaxcable, coper cable, low voltage cable and power cable.

Vertical drilling device 22 for forming an access hole 3 in a roadway 2,FIGS. 1A-4B:

As shown in FIG. 1A, the under-roadway detection unit 700 is configuredto survey under the roadway 2 during drilling using the verticaldrilling device 22. Vertical drilling devices 22 are now well known andany suitable vertical drilling device can be utilized in the presentinvention. Detection data from the under-roadway detection unit 700 canbe sent to a computer system 702. The computer system 702 can senddisplay information to the display 704 to display what is under theroadway 2 in the same manner as conventional GPR systems. The computersystem 702 can also interpret the detection data in real time toidentify objects under the roadway. For example, the computer system 702can distinguish between utilities 4 under the roadway 2 and otherobjects under the roadway, such as reinforcing steel. Theinterpretation, i.e. a buried utility 4, can also be displayed on thedisplay 704 for the drill operator, or on a user interface device 120.The computer system 702 determines the location of the identifiedutility 4, or object, to be avoided, such as depth and/or size in realtime as the drill head 20 is cutting through the roadway 2. The computersystem 702 determines the distance between the drill head 20 and theburied utility 4 in real time as the drill head 20 is cutting throughthe roadway 2, which is shown at 706. A user interface device 120 can becoupled to the computer system 702 for the operator to control theunder-roadway detection unit 700. The computer system 702 can alsodetermine the distance between the roadway 2 and the buried utility 4,shown at 709.

When the computer system 702 identifies a buried utility 4 in the pathof the drill head 20, the computer system 702 can send an alert 714 tothe drill and/or stop forward movement of the drill head 20. In thismanner, there is added protection against undesirable cutting of buriedutilities 4 by the drill head 20. In the vertical drilling method, thedrill head 20 may be replaced with a saw or other type of boring devicethat can form the access hole 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 1C, a saw27 can be used in place of the drill head 20. The present invention willwork in the same manner for the saw 27 and other cutting devices.

Drill control systems 716 for controlling forward movement and/ordirectional control of the drill head 20 are now well known. Thecomputer system 702 is connected to the drill control system 716 tooverride control of the drill head 20 when necessary to avoid damaging aburied utility 4. For example, forward movement of the drill head 20 canbe automatically stopped by the computer system 702 and/or drill controlsystem 716 at a set distance 706, such as from 2-24 inches, preferably4-12 inches.

The under-roadway detection unit 700 can be connected to the computersystem 702 by wireless and/or wired connection, and/or indirectly by anetwork 140. Additional attachments can be connected to the computersystem 702 as desired. Examples of additional attachments are shown inFIG. 1A. The connections between the additional attachments can be wiredand/or wireless directly and/or indirectly by the network 140. Examplesof additional attachments include user interface devices 120 and/or aserver 150.

The computer system 702 can comprise a global positioning device orother positioning device to map the location of the microtrench 12,buried utilities 4 detected by the under-roadway detection unit 700, andthe buried optical fiber and/or innerduct/microduct 5, or buried newutility 9.

The computer system 702 can be connected to a network 140 fortransmitting drilling data to the server 150 connected to the network140 and/or user interface devices 120 connected to the network 140. Thedrilling data can include, for example, the measurements of the accesshole 3, video of the hole 3, location of the hole 3, location of theburied utilities 4 detected by the under-roadway detection unit 700,location of the buried optical fiber and/or innerduct/microduct, speedof microtrenching, and any other information as desired, in real time.The drilling data can also be stored on the computer system 702, or byany other means, such as USB, flash drives, etc., for later uploading oraccessing.

With the present method and system, as described in the flow diagrams ofFIGS. 6A and 6C, the location of buried utilities 4 can be accuratelydetermined in real time, the access hole 3 drilled in a manner thatavoids the drill head 20 damaging the buried utilities 4, a microtrench12 cut, spoil vacuumed out of the microtrench 12, the measurements ofthe microtrench 12 measured 720, 722, the optical fiber and/orinnerduct/microduct 5 or buried new utility 9 can be installed in themicrotrench 12, and the microtrench 12 filled with fill 7, all conductedsimultaneously and continuously at the rates disclosed herein above,which are far faster rates than previously. The drilling information canbe uploaded in real time to a central database for use by the city,managers, traffic controllers, supervisors, and any others as desired.In this manner, the actual location of buried utilities can be moreprecisely mapped and stored in city records.

Any suitable microtrencher 14 can be utilized in the present invention.Non-limiting examples of suitable micro trenchers include those made andsold by Ditch Witch, Vermeer, and Marais. A Vermeer RTX 1250 tractor canbe used as the motorized vehicle for the microtrencher 14. Amicrotrencher 14 has is a “small rock wheel” specially designed for workin rural or urban areas. The microtrencher 14 is fitted with amicrotrencher blade 15 that cuts a microtrench 12 with smallerdimensions than can be achieved with conventional trench diggingequipment. Microtrench 12 widths usually range from about 6 mm to 130 mm(¼ to 5 inches) with a depth of 750 mm (about 30 inches)) or less. Otherwidths and depths can be used as desired.

With a microtrencher 14, the structure of the road, sidewalk, driveway,or path is maintained and there is no associated damage to the road.Owing to the reduced microtrench 12 size, the volume of waste material(spoil) excavated is also reduced. Microtrenchers 14 are used tominimize traffic or pedestrian disturbance during cable laying. Themicrotrencher 14 can work on sidewalks or in narrow streets of cities,and can cut harder ground than a chain trencher, including cuttingthrough for example but not limited to solid stone, concrete, andasphalt.

A debris containment shroud 40 can be placed on the roadway 2 over theburied utility 4 to be exposed. The debris containment shroud 40 can beattached to a vacuum hose 48 attached to a source of vacuum 50. Thedebris containment shroud 40 is configured to provide a vacuum to ahollow chamber 44 during use. During use, the debris containment shroud40 rests on the roadway 2 surface and the debris, such as dust, chips,particles, etc., and water if present are vacuumed away through thevacuum hose 48 and into a vacuum storage container 52. The vacuum hose48 can be any size as desired, such as from 4 to 12 inches in diameter.Sources of vacuum 50 are now well known and any suitable vacuum sourcecan be utilized, such as those made by SCAG Giant Vac., DR Power,Vermeer, and Billy Goat.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, once the buried utility 4 is exposed, amicrotrencher 14 is used to cut a microtrench 12 in the roadway so thatthe microtrench 12 crosses the buried utility 4 without damaging theburied utility 4. As shown in FIG. 4A, the optical fiber, innerduct, ormicroduct 5 can be laid in the microtrench 12, and the a fill 7 can beapplied to cover the hole 3 and fill the microtrench 12 to cover andprotect the optical fiber, innerduct, or microduct 5. As shown in FIG.4B, the new utility 9 can be laid in the microtrench 12, and the a fill7 can be applied to cover the hole 3 and fill the microtrench 12 tocover and protect the new utility 9.

Horizontal drilling device 24 for forming a substantially horizontalhole 26 under a roadway 2, FIGS. 5A-5C:

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the under-roadway detection unit 700 isconfigured to survey under the roadway 2 during drilling using thehorizontal drilling device 24. Horizontal drilling devices 24 are nowwell known and any suitable vertical drilling device can be utilized inthe present invention. Detection data from the under-roadway detectionunit 700 can be sent to a computer system 702. The computer system 702can send display information to the display 704 to display what is underthe roadway 2 in the same manner as conventional GPR systems. Thecomputer system 702 can also interpret the detection data in real timeto identify objects under the roadway. For example, the computer system702 can distinguish between utilities 4 under the roadway 2 and otherobjects under the roadway, such as reinforcing steel. Theinterpretation, i.e. a buried utility 4, can also be displayed on thedisplay 704 for the drill operator. The computer system 702 determinesthe location of the identified utility 4, or object, to be avoided, suchas depth and/or size in real time as the drill head 20 is cuttingthrough the dirt 6 under the roadway 2. The computer system 702determines the distance between the drill head 20 and the buried utility4 in real time as the drill head 20 is cutting through the dirt 6 underthe roadway 2, which is shown at 705. A user interface device 120 can becoupled to the computer system 702 for the operator to control theunder-roadway detection unit 700.

When the computer system 702 identifies a buried utility 4 in the pathof the drill head 20, the computer system 702 can send an alert 714 tothe drill operator, change the direction of the drill head 20 and/orstop forward movement of the drill head 20. In this manner, there isadded protection against undesirable cutting of buried utilities 4 bythe drill head 20. FIG. 5B shows and example of where the drill head 20changed direction at 28 to avoid damaging the buried utility 4.

Drill control systems 716 for controlling forward movement and/ordirectional control of the drill head 20 are now well known. Thecomputer system 702 is connected to the drill control system 716 tooverride control of the drill head 20 when necessary to avoid damaging aburied utility 4. For example, forward movement of the drill head 20 canbe automatically stopped or the direction changed by the drill controlsystem 716 at a set distance 705, such as from 2-24 inches, preferably4-12 inches.

The under-roadway detection unit 700, when used for horizontal drilling,must be moved along with the movement of the drill head 20 so that theground in front of the drill head 20 is continuously monitored in realtime to detect buried utilities 4 in the path of the drill head 20. Thedistance in front of the moving drill head 20 will be determined by thetype of under-roadway detection unit 700 utilized. In general, theunder-roadway detection unit 700 can be from 1 to 6 feet, preferably 2to 5 feet, in front of the drill head 20. The under-roadway detectionunit 700 preferably detects the buried utility 4 at least 1 foot,preferably at least 2 feet, in front of the moving drill head 20 in realtime.

The system can automatically mark the surface of the roadway 2 where aburied utility 4 was identified, such as by using paint. The system canalso upload locations of the buried utilities 4 to a city database toupdate the city database for locations of the buried utilities 4.

The under-roadway detection unit 700 can be connected directly to thecomputer system 702 by wireless and/or wired connection, and/orindirectly by a network 140. Additional attachments can be connected tothe computer system 702 as desired. Examples of additional attachmentsare shown in FIG. 5A. The connections between the additional attachmentscan be wired and/or wireless directly and/or indirectly by the network140. Examples of additional attachments include user interface devices120 and/or a server 150. FIG. 5B illustrates an optical fiber and/orinnerduct/microduct 5 installed in the hole 26. FIG. 5C illustrates anew utility 9 installed in the hole 26.

With the present method and system, as described in the flow diagram ofFIGS. 6B and 6D, the location of buried utilities 4 can be accuratelydetermined in real time, the horizontal hole 26 drilled in a manner thatavoids the drill head 20 damaging the buried utilities 4, and theoptical fiber and/or innerduct/microduct 5 or new utility 9 can beinstalled in the hole 26. The drilling information can be uploaded inreal time to a central database for use by the city, managers, trafficcontrollers, supervisors, and any others as desired. In this manner, theactual location of buried utilities can be more precisely mapped andstored in city records.

The computer system 702 can comprise a global positioning device orother positioning device to map the location of the buried utilities 4detected by the under-roadway detection unit 700, and the buried opticalfiber and/or innerduct/microduct 5 or new utility 9.

The computer system 702 can be connected to a network 140 fortransmitting drilling data to the server 150 connected to the network140 and/or user interface devices 120 connected to the network 140. Thedrilling data can include, for example, the measurements of thehorizontal hole 26, video of the hole 26, location of the holes 26,location of the buried utilities 4 detected by the under-roadwaydetection unit 700, location of the buried optical fiber and/orinnerduct/microduct, and any other information as desired, in real time.The drilling data can also be stored on the computer system 702, or byany other means, such as USB, flash drives, etc., for later uploading oraccessing.

Examples of suitable commercially available horizontal drills includethose sold by HDD Tooling, Vermeer, XCMG, and others.

Example

On 19 Nov. 2020, one of my crews struck a buried gas line whileinstalling optical fiber. The gas line The Gas line was mismarked byapproximately twenty-one (21) inches and buried approximately six (6)inches deep. 911 and 811 were contacted. This type of accident happensfar too often and the chances of this type of accident happening can begreatly reduced using the present invention. The following informationis the ticket:

-   -   811 Ticket #2082405236 (11/19/2020)    -   Dig Up Tkt #2082843411    -   When did it happen: 3:00 PM    -   Impact to residents: 2    -   Evacuation?: No    -   Main line: No    -   Service line: Yes    -   Scope of work: Microtrenching—2213 Rountree Dr.    -   Positive Locate: Mismarked    -   Reason for strike: Mismarked by 21″    -   Repair status: Gas has been contained; TGS On Site    -   ConEx Ticket Number: 174074741

TERMS

-   -   2 Roadway    -   3 Access hole    -   4 Buried utility    -   5 Optical fiber, innerduct, microduct    -   6 Dirt    -   7 Fill    -   9 New utility    -   12 Microtrench    -   14 Microtrencher    -   15 Microtrencher blade    -   18 Drilling Device    -   20 Drill head    -   22 Vertical drilling device    -   24 Horizontal drilling device    -   26 Horizontal Hole    -   27 Saw blade    -   28 Change in direction    -   32 Motor    -   40 Debris containment shroud    -   44 Hollow chamber    -   48 Vacuum hose    -   50 Source of vacuum    -   52 Vacuum storage container    -   120 User interface device    -   140 Network    -   150 Server    -   700 Under-Roadway Detection Unit    -   702 Computer System    -   704 Display    -   705 Distance between buried utility 4 and drill head 20 during        horizontal cutting    -   706 Distance between buried utility 4 and drill head 20 during        vertical cutting    -   707 Distance between buried utility 4 and roadway 2    -   714 Alert to Drill Operator    -   716 Drill control system

It is to be understood that the foregoing illustrative embodiments havebeen provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way tobe construed as limiting of the invention. Words used herein are wordsof description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Inaddition, the advantages and objectives described herein may not berealized by each and every embodiment practicing the present invention.Further, although the invention has been described herein with referenceto particular structure, steps and/or embodiments, the invention is notintended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein. Rather, theinvention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, processesand uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Thoseskilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of thisspecification, may affect numerous modifications thereto and changes maybe made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.While the invention has been described to provide an access hole over aburied utility, the invention can be utilized wherever an access hole inthe roadway is required.

1. A method of installing optical fiber, innerduct or microduct under aroadway comprising: drilling an access hole in a roadway above a buriedutility using a roadway access drill comprising a drill head driven by amotor; controlling the movement of the drill head by a computer system;measuring in real time a distance between the drill head and the buriedutility by the computer system and an under-roadway detection unitconnected to the computer system, wherein the under-roadway detectionunit is only above the roadway surface; the computer systemautomatically at least one of providing warning to an operator of theroadway access drill or stopping movement of the drill head towards theburied utility at a set distance between the drill head and the buriedutility to avoid damaging the buried utility; removing dirt below theroadway through the access hole to expose the buried utility; cutting amicrotrench in the roadway using a microtrencher so that the microtrenchcrosses the buried utility and does not damage the buried utility;laying the optical fiber, innerduct or microduct in the microtrench; andfilling the microtrench with a fill material to cover and protect theoptical fiber, innerduct or microduct.
 2. The method according to claim1, further comprising placing a debris containment collar on a roadwaysurface over a buried utility, the debris containment collar having adebris containment collar body defining a hollow chamber sized to acceptthe drill head; and inserting the drill head into the hollow chamber ofthe debris containment collar so that the debris containment collar bodysurrounds the drill head.
 3. The method according to claim 2, furthercomprising providing a source vacuum to the hollow chamber of the debriscontainment collar and vacuuming debris from the access hole duringdrilling.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the set distancecomprises 2-24 inches.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein theset distance comprises 4-12 inches.
 6. The method according to claim 1,wherein the computer system automatically stopping movement of the drillhead towards the buried utility at a set distance between the drill headand the buried utility to avoid damaging the buried utility.
 7. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising uploading buried utilityinformation from the computer system to a server using a network,wherein the buried utility information comprising a location of theburied utility.
 8. The method according to claim 1, further comprisingmaking a video of the drilling of the access hole and cutting of themicrotrench.
 9. The method according to claim 1, further comprisinguploading buried utility information from the computer system to aserver using a network, wherein the buried utility informationcomprising a location of the buried utility.
 10. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising making a video of the drilling of the accesshole and cutting of the microtrench.
 11. A roadway access drillconfigured to reduce damage to a utility buried under a roadwaycomprising: a drill head driven by a motor; a computer system configuredto control movement of the drill head; an under-roadway detection unitconnected to the computer system and configured to measure in real timea distance between the drill head and a buried utility under theroadway, wherein the under-roadway detection unit is only above theroadway surface; and the computer system being configured toautomatically at least one of providing warning to an operator of theroadway access drill or stopping movement of the drill head towards aburied utility at a set distance between the drill head and the buriedutility to avoid damaging the buried utility.
 12. The roadway accessdrill according to claim 11, further comprising a lifting device forlifting and lowering the roadway access drill.
 13. The roadway accessdrill according to claim 11, further comprising a debris containmentcollar comprising a vacuum attachment for attaching a source of vacuumto a hollow chamber configured to at least partially surround theroadway access drill.
 14. A method of installing a new utility under aroadway comprising: drilling an access hole in a roadway above a buriedutility using a roadway access drill comprising a drill head driven by amotor; controlling the movement of the drill head by a computer system;measuring in real time a distance between the drill head and the buriedutility by the computer system and an under-roadway detection unitconnected to the computer system, wherein the under-roadway detectionunit is only above the roadway surface; the computer systemautomatically at least one of providing warning to an operator of theroadway access drill or stopping movement of the drill head towards theburied utility at a set distance between the drill head and the buriedutility to avoid damaging the buried utility; removing dirt below theroadway through the access hole to expose the buried utility; cutting amicrotrench in the roadway using a microtrencher so that the microtrenchcrosses the buried utility and does not damage the buried utility;laying the new utility in the microtrench; and filling the microtrenchwith a fill material to cover and protect the new utility.
 15. Themethod according to claim 14, further comprising placing a debriscontainment collar on a roadway surface over a buried utility, thedebris containment collar having a debris containment collar bodydefining a hollow chamber sized to accept the drill head; and insertingthe drill head into the hollow chamber of the debris containment collarso that the debris containment collar body surrounds the drill head. 16.The method according to claim 15, further comprising providing a sourcevacuum to the hollow chamber of the debris containment collar andvacuuming debris from the access hole during drilling.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 14, wherein the set distance comprises 2-24 inches.18. The method according to claim 14, wherein the set distance comprises4-12 inches.
 19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the computersystem automatically stopping movement of the drill head towards theburied utility at a set distance between the drill head and the buriedutility to avoid damaging the buried utility.
 20. The method accordingto claim 14, further comprising uploading buried utility informationfrom the computer system to a server using a network, wherein the buriedutility information comprising a location of the buried utility.